Tim Bontemps reports that the Nets have agreed to sign Tornike "Toko" Shengelia to a two-year contract. The 6'9" forward from Georgia was taken at #54 in the draft and with the help of his agent convinced the Nets to give him a shot during summer league. In practices in New Jersey and in games in Florida, Shengelia impressed the coaching staff who lobbied the front office to sign him.

Shengelia averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 52.9% overall in only 21 minutes per game. Shengelia impressed with his hard nose play, particularly on defense. Only 20 years old, he will be the youngest player on the team by two years and be one of three rookies, along with Tyshawn Taylor, 22, and Mirza Teletovic, 26.

Signing Shengelia, who will become the 13th Net on a revamped roster, will cost the team his salary, luxury tax and $300,000 buyout from Charleroi Spirou, the Belgian and Euroleague team he played for last season. Shengelia is currently in the Georgian National Team training camp, getting ready for the Eurobasket Qualifying Tournament in August.